Gay Tucson

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero declared a state of emergency on March 17th, requiring all bars to close and limiting restaurants to takeout, delivery and drive-through services.

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Arizona's second-largest populated city, behind Phoenix, Tucson lies amidst the lush Sonoran desert scenery, rugged mountains, and rolling hills of the border region. Skies are clear and blue with over 350 days of sunshine per year. Also called "the Old Pueblo," the city's name refers to the volcanic mountain nearby, Cuk Ṣon in the Native American O'odham language.

Jesuits had founded the Mission San Xavier del Bac in 1700 a few miles upstream, but it was Hugo Oconór, in 1775, who established the military fort in New Spain that was to become Tucson. Aristocratic descendants of the king of Ireland, the O'Conor family had moved to Spain when Hugo was 18, to avoid British rule. Following the Gadsden Purchase of 1854, the city became part of the USA, and from 1867 to 1877, it was the capital of the Arizona Territory. By 1912, when Arizona became a state, four flags had flown over Tucson: Spanish, Mexican, American, and Confederate.

During the first decade of this century the downtown Tucson Rio Nuevo project added retail stores and a community center. Historic buildings have been restored, including the Hotel Congress designed in 1919, the Art Deco Fox Theater of 1929, the Rialto Theatre open from 1920, and St. Augustine Cathedral, completed in 1896.

Tucson International Airport is the local public airport, located ten miles to the south, with nonstop flights to 20 US destinations. Rental cars, shared ride vans, taxis, hotel shuttles and the Suntran city bus (numbers 11 and 25) are the route options for getting downtown. Yhe number 25 goes to the Ronstadt Transit Center Downtown. All departures are from the road beside the lower level of the terminal building.

Amtrak provides service to Tucson three times weekly on the Sunset Limited line between Orlando and Los Angeles, and the Texas Eagle line between Chicago and Los Angeles. The Tucson station is at 400 North Toole Avenue.

The Arizona Shuttle has shuttle bus service between Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and Tucson. Greyhound Lines, with a station at 471 West Congress Street, connects with points all over North America. TUFESA buses connect Tucson with various points throughout Mexico.

Getting around

Suntran buses cover the region. Cash fares one way are $1.75, and free transfers allow you to change from one route to another, wherever routes intersect - two transfers allowed within two hours. Tickets can be bought on the bus - exact change is required.

The Sunlink Streetcar project connects city centers such as the University of Arizona, University Main Gate business district, the 4th Avenue business district, Congress Avenue Shopping and Entertainment district, and the Mercado District. You can board the streetcars and stand with your bike.

Gay Tuscon has up-to-date LGBT bars and clubs listings, plus restaurant and hotel suggestions, and events and group activities around town. Gay Tucson News and Around Gay Tucson are two more online sources for local LGBT information.

Tuscon Pride events Pride Parade and Pride in the Desert, take place in late September. SAAF is the community-based organization of Southern Arizona providing case management and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

The guys at BOTOP, Bears of the Old Pueblo, always have something on, but their big date is La Fiesta de Los Osos weekend, the middle of each January - check their calendar for monthly socials and special annual events.

The Arizona Guide, a website from the state office of tourism, explores the regions and cities of Arizona, including Tuscon. Visit Tucson is another gay-friendly tourist information website.

In Rio Rico, down I-19 close to the border towards Nogales, Mexico, the Esplendor Resort Hotel (1069 Camino Caralampi; 520 281-1901), offers Old Mexico luxury, 179 guestrooms and suites, swimming pool and patio, golf course. Restaurants include the San Cayetano Restaurant, the Santa Rita Grill and Old West ambience at the San Cayetano Saloon & Bar.